A new plan to curb heroin and prescription drug addiction in Baltimore has been launched by DEA and partnering law enforcement and health agencies. DEA's "360 Strategy," which has been implemented in 14 cities in recent years, involves increasing coordination between federal agencies and local law enforcement.

A new plan to curb heroin and prescription drug addiction in Baltimore has been launched by DEA and partnering law enforcement and health agencies. DEA's "360 Strategy," which has been implemented in 14 cities in recent years, involves increasing coordination between federal agencies and local law enforcement. The program targets drug traffickers and also works with drug manufacturers and those in the medical field to encourage responsible prescribing practices. Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur said his office is working with Baltimore Police Department and the state's Attorney's Office to evaluate cases that could potentially be tried at the federal level. He said he has requested state prosecutors to pursue more cases involving opioid distributors, including health care professionals who are supplying drugs unnecessarily to patients. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said his office has filed a lawsuit against a drug manufacturer who is making a fentanyl-based drug that has been approved by the FDA for pain associated with cancer treatment but was being marketing for people with any kind of pain. Barbara Bazron, deputy secretary for the Behavioral Health Administration, said many people who are addicted are concerned about being stigmatized if they seek treatment, so providing additional outreach to young people is essential.